Well Water in Morris County: What to Test and Why

High Risk
Testing Strongly Recommended 1019 well tests on record
Top Concerns in This County
Pfoa Manganese Pfos

Why This Happens Here

Groundwater in Morris County contains radon, uranium, arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate. Multiple contaminants in this county exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for well owners.

The crystalline rock beneath Morris County naturally releases radon, uranium, manganese, and iron into groundwater as water passes through fractures and mineral layers over time. Road salt applied to county roads contributes chloride and sulfate to shallow groundwater. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have entered the water supply through contamination from manufacturing sites and other sources.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate sodium levels and a balanced mineral composition from the crystalline rock. The bedrock dissolves minerals slowly into the water as it flows through, creating this moderate character. These mineral traits show up in wells across the county but vary from well to well depending on depth and location.

What This Means for You

Wells in Morris County commonly have radon, uranium, arsenic, lead, and the industrial chemicals PFOA and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Uranium can harm your kidneys and bones. Arsenic raises cancer risk with long-term exposure. Lead damages children's brains and nervous systems at any level. PFOA and PFOS are persistent chemicals that build up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver.

County wells are moderately hard with moderate sodium content. You may notice white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, or staining on dishes and laundry. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people detect a slightly salty or metallic taste.

Every well in Morris County is different--yours could have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and chemicals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems, activated carbon filters, and radon mitigation depending on what testing reveals.

Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.

Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →

Contaminant Detection Data

Contaminant Samples % Above MCL Distribution Confidence Risk
PFOA ⓘ municipal 273 65%
High High
Manganese 630 47%
High High
PFOS ⓘ municipal 272 26%
High High
Iron 625 20%
High High
Radon 33 12%
Moderate Moderate
Chloride 688 5%
High Moderate
Lead 509 4%
High Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
Uranium 34 3%
Moderate Low
Arsenic 503 1%
High Low
Sulfate 688 0%
High Low
Nitrite 629 0%
High Low
HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal 273 0%
High Safe
Fluoride 562 0%
High Low
PFHxS ⓘ municipal 271 0%
High Low
PFNA ⓘ municipal 273 0%
High Low
Nitrate 651 0%
High Low
PFBS ⓘ municipal 271
High Low
pH 894
High Low
Hardness 680
High Low
Sodium 680
High Low

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.

Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.

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Population Health Context

Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.

5.7%
Heart Disease Rate
(state avg: 5.8%)
7.2%
Cancer Prevalence
(state avg: 6.2%)
2.5%
Kidney Disease Rate
(state avg: 2.7%)

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